Welcome to our fourth Monthly Dinner event of 2017. We are honoured to have Neil Kelly as one of our speakers. Last year the Project Management Institute awarded BC Hydro the 2016 PMO of the Year Award.

Q&A with Neil Kelly

What were your first thoughts when you heard the Project Management Institute (PMI) awarded BC Hydro the 2016 PMO of the Year Award?

I was thrilled, it was the culmination of many years of work by a number of people. It is nice to receive recognition that the effort and investments we have made have resulted in a leading Project Management Office at BC Hydro!

Team building activities are great for sharing laughs and improving morale. Can you tell us any funny stories from your team building activities?

I had only just started at UBC and the first team event was a Christmas Lunch. They were looking for someone to be Santa and being new to the group I volunteered as I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet everyone. I was provided with a Santa suit that came with many accessories (beard, boots, etc.). On the day I got ready and was being introduced at the lunch. I walked out with all eyes on me and got about half way across the room and my Santa suit pants fell down! I certainly made an entrance. This broke the ice with the team, although I did receive many comments like “we will invite Neil to the meeting but only if he keeps his pants on”!

As a father, what advice would you give your children as they entertain different career paths?

It is important to figure out where your passion and interest is and to have an objective or goal in mind.

What are three words that define what you do?

Inspiring, coaching and creating.

What one book has inspired you or one that you have recommended most?

One book that I recently read was “The Happiness Equation” by Neil Pasricha. This inspired me to think about my own personal and professional happiness. I think that increasing happiness in the workplace will lead to more engaged and productive employees. I am using this book to try and lead by example.

The Happiness Equation, Neil Pasricha.

Do you have any particular morning routines?

I have two morning routines, depending on whether I have to take one of my daughters to school. Both involve stopping at Starbucks for a drink. I either start at the office around 7 am or 8 am if I drop one of my daughters off at school. After arriving at the office I like to think of my key priorities for the day and upcoming week before I get going.

Thank you Neil for taking the time to answer our questions and allowing us to get to know you better. We are looking forward to your presentation on BC Hydro's "PMI 2016 PMO of the Year" award.

For anyone that is interested in learning more about the event Achieving Award Winning Results – The not so secret ingredients to our success! or to register please click below.